Introduction to Flying

contains “tasks,” which are comprised of knowledge areas, or GPO bookstores. Most airport fixed-base operators and flight flight procedures, and/or flight maneuvers appropriate to the schools carry a variety of government publications and charts, area of operation. The candidate is required to demonstrate as well as commercially published materials. knowledge and proficiency in all tasks for the original issuance of all pilot certificates. Who Administers the FAA Practical Tests? Due to the varied responsibilities of the FSDOs, practical tests When To Take the Practical Test are usually given by DPEs. An applicant should schedule the 14 CFR part 61 establishes the ground school and flight practical test by appointment to avoid conflicts and wasted experience requirements for the type of certification and time. A list of examiner names can be obtained from the local aircraft selected. However, the CFI best determines when an FSDO. Since a DPE serves without pay from the government applicant is qualified for the practical test. A practice practical for conducting practical tests and processing the necessary test is an important step in the flight training process. reports, the examiner is allowed to charge a reasonable fee. There is no charge for the practical test when conducted by The applicant will be asked to present the following an FAA inspector. documentation: Role of the Certificated Flight Instructor • FAA Form 8710-1 (8710.11 for sport pilot applicants), To become a CFI, a pilot must meet the provisions of 14 CFR Application for an Airman Certificate and/or Rating, part 61. The FAA places full responsibility for student flight with the flight instructor’s recommendation training on the shoulders of the CFI, who is the cornerstone • An Airman Knowledge Test Report with a of aviation safety. It is the job of the flight instructor to train satisfactory grade the student pilot in all the knowledge areas and teach the • A medical certificate (not required for glider or skills necessary for the student pilot to operate safely and balloon), a Student Pilot Certificate, and a pilot competently as a certificated pilot in the NAS. The training logbook endorsed by a flight instructor for solo, solo includes airmanship skills, pilot judgment and decision- cross-country (airplane and rotorcraft), and for the making, and good operating practices. make and model aircraft to be used for the practical test (driver’s license or medical certificate for sport A pilot training program depends on the quality of the pilot applicants) ground and flight instruction the student pilot receives. The flight instructor must possess a thorough understanding of • The pilot log book records the learning process, knowledge of the fundamentals of • A graduation certificate from an FAA-approved school teaching, and the ability to communicate effectively with the (if applicable) student pilot. Use of a structured training program and formal course syllabus is crucial for effective and comprehensive The applicant must provide an airworthy aircraft with flight training. It should be clear to the student in advance of equipment relevant to the areas of operation required for every lesson what the course of training will involve and the the practical test. He or she will also be asked to produce criteria for successful completion. This should include the and explain the: flight instructor briefing and debriefing the student before and • Aircraft’s registration certificate after every lesson. Additionally, scenario-based training has become the preferred method of flight instruction today. This • Aircraft’s airworthiness certificate involves presenting the student with realistic flight scenarios • Aircraft’s operating limitations or FAA-approved and recommended actions for mitigating risk. aircraft flight manual (if required) • Aircraft equipment list Insistence on correct techniques and procedures from the beginning of training by the flight instructor ensures that the • Required weight and balance data student pilot develops proper flying habits. Any deficiencies • Maintenance records in the maneuvers or techniques must immediately be emphasized and corrected. A flight instructor serves as a role • Applicable airworthiness directives (ADs) model for the student pilot who observes the flying habits of his or her flight instructor during flight instruction, as well For a detailed explanation of the required pilot maneuvers and as when the instructor conducts other pilot operations. Thus, performance standards, refer to the PTS pertaining to the type the flight instructor becomes a model of flying proficiency of certification and aircraft selected. These standards may be for the student who, consciously or unconsciously, attempts downloaded free of charge from the FAA at www.faa.gov. They to imitate the instructor. For this reason, a flight instructor may also be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents 1-23